A term of Congress lasts for two years. Each term begins at 12:00 noon on January 3rd of odd-numbered years, approximately two months after general elections are held. However, the 112th Congress will convene on January 5, 2011. A complete list of all previous Terms of Congress is available at TermsofCongress.com. photo credit: cdsessums In … Read more
Our “Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony” course is commonly offered as a 2-day custom on-site training program for executives, scientists, managers, attorneys, and others who are involved with preparing for and delivering testimony at congressional hearings. For over 30 years, TheCapitol.Net and its predecessor, Congressional Quarterly Executive Conferences, have been training professionals from government, military, … Read more
The Playmobil Security Check Point is no longer available, but don’t despair, Playmobil Safe Crackers (Thieves) is! I’ve been following the recent controversy over the TSA’s body imaging X-ray machines, otherwise known as the “backscatter” or “exhibit-yourself-in-the-nude” devices. It made me reminisce about an old post I wrote about the Playmobil airline screening playset. I … Read more
When working with a principal and preparing them for coping with the media, one of the most important tasks you face is assessing their strengths and weaknesses. Part of the process of getting to know your principal is conducting an honest assessment. The result should allow you to develop a fair understanding of what will … Read more
Earmarks, pork barrel projects and logrolling | Khan Academy Yes, it’s theoretically possible that congressional leaders will use earmarks to help pass legislation shrinking the burden of government. It’s also possible that I’ll play centerfield next year for the Yankees. But I’m not holding my breath for either of these things to happen. … Read more
[T]he biggest problems with the $1.5 trillion installation of the Smart Grid are not the dicey technological, financial, and regulatory riddles that currently obsess bureaucrats, but chewy philosophical ones.The Smart Grid is rolling out lickety split because all the right interest groups love it: Utilities like the idea of cutting labor costs and being able … Read more
Understanding Congressional Budgeting and Appropriations This engaging course explores basic congressional budget process concepts along with key players, their roles and relationships. Learn about discretionary and mandatory spending, the budget resolution and reconciliation process. Students also learn about the relationship of authorization and appropriations legislation. Hear real, modern-day examples that illustrate the process, and gain … Read more
Washington, DC is home to thousands of interest groups and lobbyists, all with a single goal: attempting to influence public policy. Although many do not like the idea of interest groups and lobbyists influencing Congress, it is likely that the number of interest groups and lobbyists will continue to grow. Mancur Olson made this point … Read more
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We … Read more
Advanced Federal Budget Process 2-day course photo credit: joannapoe Learn how the federal budget process really works from faculty members with years of subject-matter expertise. Study important terminology and understand budgetary interests. We provide a comprehensive overview of current budget politics and the federal budgeting process. So you gain the awareness and guidance necessary to … Read more